The narrator is interrupted by the arrival of his wife and daughter-in-law, who have come to visit Sikes. Sikes complains to his wife that he has not been able to pay back the money he owes her, and that his family has come to show their concern for him. He says that since he is going to be his daughter's grandfather, he does not wish to do anything else. He tells Sikes that he is tired and does not want to hear any more nonsense from his wife. He asks Sikes what is going on with the business, and Sikes replies that it is getting worse, because Sikes is not able to keep it going